Metalworking lathes are machines used to shape and cut materials, primarily metals, into desired forms. They work by rotating the workpiece against a cutting tool, allowing for precise shaping, drilling, and finishing. Lathes are essential in various industries, including manufacturing and engineering, for producing components like shafts, gears, and pulleys. These machines come in different types, such as engine lathes, CNC lathes, and turret lathes, each designed for specific tasks and levels of automation. Operators can adjust speed, feed rate, and tool position to achieve the desired results, making lathes versatile tools in the metalworking process.